Anthrax outbreaks have been reported in neighboring West African countries, according to a public warning from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Therefore, until the problem is under control, Nigerians have been strongly urged to avoid eating hides (ponmo), smoked meat, and bush meat.
The entire sub-region was put at risk when the outbreak was originally discovered close to the northern border of Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Togo.
Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the permanent secretary of the ministry, claims that the bacterial disease, which may infect both humans and animals, has already claimed a number of lives.
He explained that “Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.”
People can become infected with Anthrax spores if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
If undiagnosed and untreated, anthrax symptoms, which include coughing, fever, and muscle aches, can progress to serious lung problems, breathing difficulties, shock, and even death.
Anthrax can infect people through the inhalation of anthrax spores or the consumption of infected animal products, despite the fact that it is not contagious and cannot be spread through intimate contact with an infected person.
The ministry also advised the general population to stay away from unvaccinated animals and steer clear of contaminated or infected animal products like hides, meat, and milk.
Ada Peter
